Washington Theological Union
Distance Education
Introduction
Washington Theological Union is committed to theological and pastoral education for qualified men and women, both lay and religious. The Union is also committed to providing access to this education to those beyond the physical 
location of Washington, DC. Our distance education opportunities provide students with more options in their theological education.
Washington Theological Union uses “Blackboard” software to aid in the delivery of both on- campus and distance courses. This software enables us to offer classes that meet in a variety of different ways:
- On-site or on-campus courses meet at our physical location in Washington, DC and use the features of Blackboard to allow students and professors to communicate easily, access documents and assignments, and conduct on-going online discussions.
- Asynchronous courses meet entirely online through the Blackboard website. Instruction is presented in a form that does not require off-site students to be connected at a specific period of time, such as recorded lectures, online discussions, group communication, and online assessments).
- Synchronous courses meet entirely online through the Blackboard website. Instruction is presented in a form that does require students to be online and participating during specified periods of time, such as for a live chat or discussion.
- Hybrid courses combine on-campus and online instruction.
Implementation
The Union currently offers the following academic programs that utilize distance education approaches to study.
- Doctor of Ministry in Christian Spirituality: This is a hybrid program in which students combine online coursework with intensive two-week on-site meetings in January and July.
- Graduate Certificates in Theological Studies and Franciscan Theology and Spirituality: Both of these Graduate Certificates can be earned entirely through online coursework (with no required on campus attendance). Students can also combine online and onsite coursework as best meets their needs, schedules, and geographical locations.
- Graduate Certificate in Carmelite Studies: This program is offered by the Carmelite Institute through a written correspondence method. Once a student finishes the Carmelite Institute program, they may apply for and be awarded a Graduate Certificate by the Union. Alternatively, the Union offers its own Graduate Certificate in Carmelite Studies that is an entirely on-site program.
- Other online coursework: Students in any of the other degree or certificate programs may take distance and/or hybrid courses as a part of their course of studies. Online or distance coursework may not exceed 50% of the coursework applied towards these degree or certificate programs.
First-time Blackboard Users
The following page links provide helpful information about using Blackboard for courses taught using this technology
Special Operating Instructions for Students
Click here for special guidance when taking courses using the distance education methodology.
Blackboard Trial
Click here for Blackboard Trial Demonstration
Click here for Blackboard Trial Login Credentials
For Information Contact:
Janice Samuels